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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —** The Broncos went to work on the turf for the first time this offseason, finally putting into motion the changes that have been talked about for months in regards to the defense and offense.
The offense has received its fair share of focus and as a new system takes root, the terminology will take time to adjust for everyone as they learn it.
At the start of this process, this was a bilingual practice of sorts.
"Today, we had no problem as far as functioning and operating," Head Coach Gary Kubiak said. "For us as coaches, there were two systems going on out there today. I think the players can handle it. It's not a problem. We as coaches have to do a good job of teaching."
Mostly the questions about changing the offense centered around Peyton Manning and how his skills fit into the equation. Kubiak and Manning each have discussed how they see that going, with both agreeing that the offense will adapt to what each side does well.
The Broncos were back on the field for the first time this offseason, working with a new coaching staff.
Peyton Manning breaks down the huddle during the first day of voluntary veteran minicamp on Tuesday.
T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. go through drills with defensive backs coach Joe Woods.
Offensive lineman Gino Gradkowski (77) and a group of teammates run drills at the beginning of the Broncos' voluntary vet minicamp.
Kapri Bibbs and a couple other teammates perform special teams drills.
Marvin Austin Jr. (76) stretches with the group.
Peyton Manning goes through drills as Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison looks on.
Juwan Thompson stretches before the beginning of the Broncos' voluntary vet minicamp.
Brock Osweiler goes through drills.
Emmanuel Sanders catches a pass thrown by wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert.
Manny Ramirez leads a group of lineman through drills.
Defensive backs coach Joe Woods gives advice on the positioning as Chris Harris Jr. looks on.
Defensive end Vance Walker stretches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp.
Defensive end Antonio Smith stretches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp.
Peyton Manning uncorks a pass during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
James Casey runs a drill during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis instructs players on a drill during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Defensive Wade Phillips have a conversation during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Tight end Dominique Jones during a drill during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Head Coach Gary Kubiak monitors practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Peyton Manning during practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Brock Osweiler makes a call during practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison instructs players during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Members of the offensive line practice as offensive line coach Clancy Barone watches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Offensive lineman Shelley Smith during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway watches during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Owen Daniels looks to make a catch as T.J. Ward closes in during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Peyton Manning throws a pass during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Todd Davis and C.J. Anderson get tangled during practice on the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Linebacker Reggie Walker during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Safety Ross Madison looks to make a play during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Outside linebacker Gerald Rivers during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Tight end/fullback Joe Don Duncan looks to block at practice during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
Safety Josh Bush looks to make a play during the first day of voluntary vet minicamp on Tuesday.
"What we had to do was basically take the things that they did best and what he does best and is very comfortable with, and then bring in some of the things that we want to be as an offensive football team," Kubiak said. "You find a way to make the two come together. I think [Offensive Coordinator] Rick [Dennison] and the staff has done a really good job of that."
Kubiak already has experience with introducing a new system having implemented changes in Baltimore with the Ravens and quarterback Joe Flacco, but it was a give-and-take process as Kubiak decided what they could keep from previous years and what they'd have to teach.
"Last year in Baltimore, I walked in and I think Joe had a few coordinators over the course of a few years," Flacco said. "Here I come and I've got my way of talking and doing things. I went back with what they did. I said, 'Let's hang on to this. He knows this, and then we'll start teaching this other part.'"
I suppose it might be important to mention that for all the talk of how the adjustment process is going, the NFL season is still about four months away from now. Manning said at this time, the team is focusing on the fundamentals and basic skills.
"We're just starting," Manning said. "I always enjoy this time as you try to form the kind of the identity of your offense and see what things players do well. [...] We didn't wear helmets today. This was full speed at times and kind of a jog thru at times. We are going through the process. I like being out there. I like working. I like learning. I've always enjoyed that part of it. I'm looking forward to learning Coach Kubiak's philosophies and trying to do my part as a quarterback."
Kubiak was happy to finally see the first day on the field arrive, though it's just the most recent development in a busy time in the offseason.
"It's good to get back to work, so to speak," Kubiak said. "Obviously we've been very busy as coaches preparing for this, and now we're operating and getting ready for the draft this weekend. To actually get out here on the field, for me to see all the guys other than just talking to them, it's been good. We'll have a good couple of days here and then have a good draft this weekend before getting back into Phase 2."
